The benefits of mediation continue to fuel its practice in both adults and kids alike. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found in a 2007 survey that 9.4 percent and one percent of adult and minor respondents, respectively, practiced meditation in the previous year. These findings are representative of over 20 million Americans. Meditation has garnered substantial popularity for its suspected psychological and physical health benefits.
Understanding Meditation
Practicing meditation promotes relaxation and supports the mind-body connection. Its history is rooted in spirituality, but much study has gone into how it affects health and wellness. Meditation typically involves focusing on an object, mantra or simply breathing. Sitting in a specific posture in a quiet area is part of the process as well. Several techniques for this practice exist. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is specifically studying transcendental meditation and mindfulness meditation, which originate from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, respectively. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on breath and learning to accept life as it is; Transcendental meditation is requires focus on a mantra to inhibit distracting thoughts.
Psychological Wellness
Meditation can improve or enhance your psychological wellness. Overcoming anxiety, stress, depression and insomnia are some of the top reasons why people choose to meditate. The practice's effect on the nervous system offers clues as to why it is beneficial for calming such psychological issues. Meditation reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response to stress. It also increases parasympathetic nervous system activity at the same time; this lowers your heart rate and improves blood flow.
Alleviating Chronic Conditions
Meditation helps combat the effects of chronic conditions and diseases. A study published in the April 2009 issue of "Preventing Chronic Disease" found that a quarter of surveyed arthritis patients used either meditation or some form of religious or spiritual practice to alleviate their condition. Findings in a February 2008 study in "Pain" suggest that mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms associated with chronic back pain in older adults. Participants meditated about four days a week for roughly half an hour. Many medical facilities offer meditation and similar therapies for cancer patients; it's linked to reducing their sleeping problems and chronic pain, according to an article in the October 2009 issue of "Preventing Chronic Disease."
Precautions
Meditation is a simple practice that most people can participate in safely. However, keep in mind a few precautions. Depending on the type of meditation you practice, you may be required to sit, stand, lie down or even walk; this is important to keep in mind if you have a condition affecting your movement. Meditation may not be advisable if you have certain psychiatric conditions, such as borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia, although more research is needed in this area. Never substitute meditation or any other alternative or complementary therapies for medical treatment.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Meditation: An Introduction; February 2006
- "Preventing Chronic Disease"; Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Patients With Arthritis; Leigh F. Callahan, PhD, et al.; April 2009
- "Pain"; Mindfulness Meditation for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain in Lower Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study; NE Morone, et al.; February 2008
- "Preventing Chronic Disease"; About this Image; October 2009
- University of Minnesota Taking Charge of Your Health: Meditation
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